With winter arriving ahead of schedule this year, residents across Door and Kewaunee counties are already feeling the sting of Arctic air sweeping through the Midwest. Temperatures dipped into the single digits this week, prompting Wisconsin Public Health officials to issue strong reminders about cold weather safety and the resources available to anyone struggling to stay warm.
Jeb Saelens, Door County Director of Emergency Management, warns that wind chills may fall well below zero, posing risks for older adults, young children, those experiencing homelessness, and individuals without adequate heating. “This weather is not new to Wisconsin, but it is a little early.” He goes on to say, “If you need to warm up for just a minute, or for a few hours, the shelters are in place to help the community when in need.”
Saelens stresses that no one should attempt to endure dangerously low temperatures without a safe, warm place to go, or the proper weather gear. Early preparation, he says, can prevent serious cold-related emergencies as winter settles in. “Make sure you have the appropriate winter weather gear.” “There are even donation centers to help those in need of winter clothing.” Saelens points out the heart and the giving nature of the local community spirit and states that is what Door County is all about.
In Door County, the Senior Resource Center is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., while the Sturgeon Bay Fire Department is available 24 hours a day. All Door County Library branches, including Baileys Harbor, Egg Harbor, Ephraim, Fish Creek, Forestville, Sister Bay, Sturgeon Bay, and Washington Island also serve as warming sites during their open hours. Additional sites include the Gibraltar Fire Department in Fish Creek and the Sister Bay Fire Department, which are especially valuable during power outages.
Kewaunee County officials are also taking steps to ensure residents stay protected during the bitter cold. Kewaunee City Hall is open as a public warming site during its normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., providing a centrally located and easily accessible place for individuals needing to escape the cold. In addition, Kewaunee County Emergency Management maintains a comprehensive storm shelter list, which is activated during prolonged cold snaps, severe weather, or widespread utility issues. These shelters, located in schools, municipal buildings, and designated community centers, offer a reliable option if a heating system fails or if temperatures drop suddenly overnight.
Saelens encourages residents to use statewide tools for up-to-date information. Individuals can text SHELTER and their ZIP code to 43362 to find the nearest open warming center or call 211 Wisconsin for real-time assistance.
